By Andrew Kariuki
Healthcare services in Isiolo County are set for major disruption after doctors officially began an industrial strike following the expiry of a 21-day notice issued to the county government over unresolved workplace grievances.
The strike, which commenced Tuesday evening, was announced by officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Upper Eastern Branch, who accused the county administration of failing to address longstanding concerns affecting doctors and healthcare delivery.
According to the union, repeated engagements with county officials failed to produce meaningful solutions, forcing doctors to withdraw labour.
Speaking during the declaration of the strike, KMPDU Upper Eastern Branch Chairperson Dr. Kananu Kubai said doctors in Isiolo had endured persistent salary delays, failure to remit statutory deductions, lack of medical cover, poor working conditions and what she described as threats and intimidation whenever healthcare workers raised concerns.
Dr. Kubai stated that despite working in high-risk environments, many doctors had gone for months without receiving salaries or essential employment protections.
She faulted the county government for what the union described as failure to meet its obligations to healthcare workers, warning that the situation had become unsustainable.
The union further advised residents with patients admitted in public health facilities within Isiolo County or referral hospitals in neighbouring Meru County to consider alternative treatment options in private facilities or hospitals outside the county for the duration of the strike.
KMPDU officials maintained that the decision to suspend services had not been taken lightly but was necessary to pressure the county administration into resolving the grievances raised.
The strike has also revived concerns over stalled career progression among medical professionals in the county.
Dr. Dima Adan, a gynecologist and union official working in Isiolo, expressed frustration over what he termed prolonged stagnation in job advancement despite years of service and professional qualifications.
According to Dr. Adan, he has remained in the same job group for more than a decade, a situation he said had negatively affected morale among healthcare workers.
He urged county authorities to treat doctors with dignity and improve welfare conditions to ensure effective healthcare delivery.
The industrial action is expected to significantly affect public healthcare services across Isiolo County, raising concern among residents who rely on government hospitals for treatment.
Union officials say the strike will remain in force until county authorities address issues relating to salary delays, statutory remittances, working conditions, medical cover and career progression.
As the standoff deepens, pressure is mounting for negotiations between the county government and KMPDU to prevent prolonged disruption of medical services in the county.
